The Eastern Conference Finals continue to heat up as the Indiana Pacers welcome the New York Knicks to Gainbridge Fieldhouse for Game 3. After seizing a 2-0 lead with back-to-back victories on the road, the Pacers return home with a golden opportunity to tighten their grip on the series. Their unpredictable but effective scoring distribution has kept the Knicks on their heels, while New York will be looking to regroup and rediscover their defensive identity after coming up short in both home games.
Jalen Brunson has been a one-man wrecking crew for the Knicks, scoring 43 and 36 points in the opening two games. But Indiana’s depth and versatility have been the defining factor so far. With contributions from Tyrese Haliburton, Aaron Nesmith, and Pascal Siakam, the Pacers are thriving on a “next man up” mentality. As Sunday’s match falls right after the electric atmosphere of the Indianapolis 500, Game 3 promises to deliver intensity, noise, and no shortage of drama.
New York Knicks at Indiana Pacers
Match Info
- NBA Playoffs – Eastern Conference Finals
- Sunday 25 May 2025 – 20:00 EST / 01:00 BST (Mon)
- Gainbridge Fieldhouse, Indianapolis, USA
New York Knicks
New York’s playoff resilience is being seriously tested after falling behind 0-2 in the series. Jalen Brunson continues to shoulder the offensive load, pouring in impressive scoring numbers while also facilitating play with his assists. However, the supporting cast has failed to provide the consistent backup required at this critical stage. Defensive issues have plagued the Knicks, particularly when it comes to containing Indiana’s ever-changing attack. Karl-Anthony Towns has struggled to stay on the floor and impact the game on both ends, while Mitchell Robinson showed promising signs in Game 2 with strong rim protection and rebounding off the bench. Josh Hart’s call for more minutes for Robinson may be part of the solution, but unless the Knicks can collectively raise their defensive intensity, their postseason run may be running on borrowed time.
Indiana Pacers
The Pacers have turned heads with their dynamic, unselfish approach, proving to be more than the sum of their parts. Tyrese Haliburton and Aaron Nesmith set the tone early in the series with electric shooting and ball movement, while Pascal Siakam reminded everyone of his All-Star calibre with a dominant 39-point display in Game 2. Indiana’s ability to adapt and find different contributors each night has created headaches for New York’s defence. Coach Rick Carlisle’s disciplined but fluid game planning has allowed the Pacers to thrive under pressure. Now, with the chance to take a commanding 3-0 lead at home, the Pacers will look to harness the energy of a raucous Indianapolis crowd coming off the adrenaline of the Indy 500 weekend.
America Bet Match Winner Prediction
Indiana Pacers to win
Indiana’s depth, momentum, and the home-court advantage following two clutch road wins give them the upper hand. With New York’s defence faltering and Indiana finding different heroes every night, the Pacers look poised to push the Knicks to the brink.
America Bet Score Prediction
New York 111 – 117 Indiana
Expect another high-scoring affair, but Indiana’s offensive variety and composure in crunch moments should see them edge this one again in front of a pumped-up home crowd.
America Bet Betting Tips
- Indiana Pacers to win
- Over 226.5 total points
- Pascal Siakam over 24.5 points
- Jalen Brunson over 30.5 points
- Tyrese Haliburton over 8.5 assists
- Aaron Nesmith 3+ three-pointers made
- Mitchell Robinson over 8.5 rebounds
- First quarter winner – Indiana Pacers
- Game to go to overtime – No
- Indiana Pacers to win by 6-10 points